The wolf is securely the animal that has attracted people’s imagination more than all the others since the ancient times. An extraordinary, intelligent and adaptable predator, that is able to travel through long distances and to survive in hostile environments and with scarce food resources. A little number (maybe less than 100) of wolves survived in the central-southern Apennine around the end of the 1960s. Then, the wolf has slowly but progressively expanded its area through a spontaneous recolonization process during the last 30​/​40 years. Nowadays a wolves population organized with a minimum of 7 or 8 packs has been living in the territory of the Abruzzo National Park. The Wolf Tracking in Abruzzo is an activity of total immersion in the world of the wolf, articulated in a few days experience in which, in addition to real Wolf-watching sessions aimed at the direct observation of free-ranging specimens, we alternate excursions in the habitat of the species in search of signs of its presence, also with the intention of introducing the participants to the complexity of the ecological relationships within a given wolf territory. Winter is the wolf season. Wolf specimens move in smaller areas in relation to the concentration of potential prey. The snow makes it easier to read their footprints in the territory, and the mating season between wolves finally offers greater dynamics between individual wolves of different families. IMPORTANT NOTE: - This is a 4 days experience (it is not possible to book more or less days). - The total price is €620. Therefore, please select all 4 consecutive days in the calendar to book your experience. You'll find the available dates under "Dates & Duration".

Itinerary

- DAY 1 – How many wolves are there Meeting with guides at the Avezzano Bus Terminal at 2 p.m. Transfer to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and accommodation of participants in the hotel. At 4 p.m. departure for a first easy excursion until sunset. Return to the hotel in the evening, dinner and overnight stay. 2h of walk · 4km · 200 m climb · 200 m descent - DAY 2 – Live like a wolf in a man world’s At dawn wildlife watching session. After breakfast, departure for a panoramic walk and search for signs of wolf presence. Possibility to observe deer, roe deer and wild boar grazing. Packed lunch and visit to the Apennine Wolf Museum in Civitella Alfedena to learn more about the conservation programmes implemented in Italy. Relax at the hotel and in the late afternoon another short evening excursion with wildlife watching activities and the chance to hear the characteristic howls. Dinner with local products and overnight stay. 6h of walk · 8km · 400 m climb · 400 m descent DAY 3 – The pack, a couple and the sons At dawn, we will be protagonists in the beautiful scenery at the foot of Mount Meta and of the Mainarde mountain range. A strong emotional impact place, characterized by rugged and wild mountains, fascinating for who lives far from this kind of landscape. Guided hike to the Passo dei Monaci to try to spot the endemic Apennine chamois and golden eagle. Return to the valley in the afternoon, hot chocolate and relaxation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay. 6h of walk · 10km · 450 m climb · 450 m descent DAY 4 – From the magic of sacred waters to the return of wild nature On our last day, we will explore the Giovenco valley. From the beautiful and variegated apple orchards of Ortona dei Marsi, we will visit the areas connecting the Central Apennine national parks, where local communities are working daily to achieve peaceful coexistence with returning wildlife. Return to the valley in the afternoon and last transfer of participants to the Avezzano Terminal Bus. 4h of walk · 6km · 300 m climb · 300 m descent Due to possible adverse weather conditions during this travel day, we ask that you DO NOT book train or bus out of Avezzano Terminal Bus any earlier than 3 pm.

What's Included?

Expert local Naturalist Guide Internal transfers Hotel stay, double occupancy Dinner and breakfast Hot drink service with coffee, chocolate and tea Personal binoculars (Nikon 8x42) Spotting scope (Nikon and Leica) Snowshoes and poles

Dates & Duration

- January 2026: Thursday 15th- Sunday 18th - February 2026: Thursday 5th- Sunday 8th - February 2026: Thursday 19th- Sunday 22nd - March 2026: Thursday 5th- Sunday 8th - December 2026: Thursday 10th- Sunday 13th

Food & Accomodation

- Accommodation is pre-arranged by our tour leader in a small, charming, family-run hotel, in shared double rooms. - Lunch is not included, you will buy packed lunches each morning from the guesthouse or local shops and bakeries to take with you. For dinner you'll enjoy traditional Italian dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra - a special kind of spaghetti, soup with orapi (wild spinach) and beans, gnocchetti and grilled meat. The region has a strong sheep-farming culture, so there are many local dairy products such as pecorino, ricotta, caciocavallo and a rare goat's cheese called marzolina. - Requests for vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for: please do not forget to advise us of these preferences at the time of booking.

Difficulty

Participants must be able to walk on medium-difficulty paths and remain silent while waiting and observing.

Group size

4-8 people

What to Bring

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: after sunset, in summertime too, it could be very cold. Soft duffel bag or rucksack Daypack (25+ litres) Raincover Waterproof jacket with hood Fleece jacket or similar Warm jacket Hiking trousers Technical t-shirts Hiking boots Warm hat Thin gloves Waterproof overtrousers Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) Water bottles or water bladder